The independent regulatory commission's sanctions follow charges brought by the FA against Stretford, founder of Proactive Sports Management, relating to how he acquired the right to represent Rooney in 2002.

The charges were also for improper conduct in relation to Stretford "making of false and/or misleading witness statements to police and giving false and/or misleading testimony to Warrington Crown Court" in a case about the circumstances of how he came to represent the England striker.

The ban will not come into force until after any appeal or move to go to arbitration by Stretford. The second nine months of the suspension will not be invoked if he is found to have not broken any other regulations.

The commission ruled as "proved" seven of nine charges brought by the FA against Stretford for breaches of the FIFA players' agent regulations.

An FA statement read: "The commission found that Mr Stretford did encourage Mr Rooney and his parents to enter into a representation agreement with Proactive Sports Management Limited on July 17 2002 although he knew Mr Rooney was still then under contract with Pro-Form Sports Management Limited."

Stretford described the verdicts as "a travesty" and said he will be launching an immediate appeal.